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[frostbyte]

It's one of those shows that relies entirely on the violence and gore. The story is paper thin, to say the least, and the characters are pretty flat. I don't remember liking it as much as I watched it to see what all the fuss was about.

I can see how it's portrayal of children/teens in these violent/gruesome/adult situations interests people, but really it never amounts to more than just that. I know a lot of people like it so it has a high standing among anime viewers, so there is something in there for some people to enjoy. Then again, that's just my take.

Hmm...What do you think of Gunslinger Girl?

In terms of applying the moe/hnnng aesthetic to violence, I think Higurashi did a much better job overall.

But Higurashi decidedly had a split between moe/hnng and violence/horror. I don't think that's comparable

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

With the discussion of Gundam soundtracks, has there ever really been a Gundam series with an actively bad soundtrack? Obviously, the older ones like 0079 and Zeta are pretty reflective of their eras, so you can take that for what it is, and I haven't seen G or V yet, but I can't think of any off-hand.

I can't think of one, they've all been great.

G Gundam has one of the best in the series and is damn good for-by. You should get on that asap.

0083 had a good soundtrack, come at me bros.

Can't remember the soundtrack to V Gundam, guess it's hard to hear the background music over

Spoiler

the screams of all those people being horribly killed

. Probably inoffensive.

 

[cajunator]

Gunslinger Girl is a much more tasteful exploration of the subject than the other two.
Not that the other two contained anything that could be described as "tasteful" to begin with >_>

 

[frostbyte]

Gunslinger Girl is a much more tasteful exploration of the subject than the other two.
Not that the other two contained anything that could be described as "tasteful" to begin with >_>

Agreed. I was just interested in his statement and opinion.

 

[NewFresh]

Hmm...What do you think of Gunslinger Girl?

I haven't seen more than one episode even though it's up on netflix, the plot never interested me (Young girl cyborg mafia hit squad). I imagined more of a scenario like The Professional instead of what it actually was.

Another example could be Hänsel and Gretel in Black Lagoon; however, I think that the universe better suits the horrifying nature of these characters.

 

[Jex]

Seriously? I thought they beat it over your head so much that it would be almost impossible to miss.

Spoiler

To Kagenui, the Phoenix was carrying out a deception by its very existence, taking on the form of a newborn human for the express purpose of self-preservation, an act which she considers "evil." To her that's all the reason she needs (see: pointing out the potential consequences of his sisters or his mother learning of Tsukihi's true nature). Araragi, of course, doesn't see it that way and sees Tsukihi as part of his family despite the fact that she technically isn't because that's how the dynamic has always been. He demonstrates this by his decision to perpetuate the deception and oppose the pair. It's the classic "theoretical vs practical" dichotomy. It's even plainly framed that way when Kagenui points out her's, Oshino's, and Kaiki's conflicting answers to Kaiki's question. If anything, the only potential problem is that the conflict here is TOO straightforward. That depends, of course, on how this newfound knowledge is used later in the story, if at all. That remains to be seen.

It's a pretty damn straightforward application of the show's main theme, all things considered.

Oh, that's clearly explained by the show. But

Spoiler

that's just a statement from the character. It's very, er, literal and basic and she doesn't support it with anything else like reasons. It's just really bizarre writing. Fake things must die? There isn't even a proper attempt to justify her actions beyond that.

Spoiler

I still don't get why Yozuru cares though. Look at her company. Kaiki and Oshino are both pretty clear cut in the way they exorcise demons and seem to get something back for what they do. You know, the way people operate in reality. Yozuru is just like...some cranky lady who shows up and wants to blow up a house and kill the person inside of it. There just isn't a lot of logic to it and the show keeps pointing back to "Oh, she is just a good person who does good things."

Yozuru and Yotsugi were painfully dull characters who just happen to show up for no reason and cause a great deal of unnecessary and drawn out conflict. Their motivations for arriving aren't every well justified and they don't even seem particularly convinced about what they're up to. The Tsukihi Phoenix in general is just kind of a sour experience because of them. They offer nothing of value, and as such simply serve as a poor foil to Araragi while around and offer no possibility of an adequate climax as the villains.

Or, basically, this.

 

[Dresden]

I can't remember why I watched three episodes of this shitpile. Then I rewatched episode three.

Ookami-san and Her Seven Companions: terrible show. Terrible setting, design, 'plot'; the characters all suck; the only redeemable aspect of it seems to have been the stuff that ended up in sakuga videos. I vaguely remembered enjoying episode three, though, and I guess I could always point to hinoriri tanaka if someone presses me for a reason as to why.

I guess it did provide lots of shrill high-pitched rie kugimiya loli antics. The episode holds up even less than I thought it would. It's hard to ignore the clumsiness with which they shoehorn the fable into the framework of a popularity contest. There's a sense that all the clingy stalker antics are meant to be funny, but they're more uncomfortable than anything else, like so many other things in the show. Still, I did enjoy all the tsun-tsun stuff in the middle. All the main characters can go eat shit and die.

 

[cajunator]

I haven't seen more than one episode even though it's up on netflix, the plot never interested me. I imagined more of a scenario like The Professional instead of what it actually was.

Another example could be Hänsel and Gretel in Black Lagoon; however, I think that the universe better suits the horrifying nature of these characters.

Gunslinger Girl is more about exploring the characters and how they deal with some rather extreme and unfortunate situations than it is about a story. It's not like The Professional at all, although that would be pretty amazing.

 

[firehawk12]

Oh, that's clearly explained by the show. But

Spoiler

that's just a statement from the character. It's very, er, literal and basic and she doesn't support it with anything else like reasons. It's just really bizarre writing. Fake things must die? There isn't even a proper attempt to justify her actions beyond that.

Or, basically, this.

In 10, it's implied that they

Spoiler

all work for someone else. The fact that she mentions a fourth member of the Occult circle heavily implies that this other person might be the one in charge.

Heck, they even have that bit where she explains their motivations to Araragi by

Spoiler

comparing how the three of them would deal with fakes

.

Plot wise and thematically, I think it lines up fairly well.

 

[Steroyd]

Now and Then, Here and There - 03

Blond hair blue eyes... must be American, oh look she knows perfect Japaneese lol.

Why does anyone bother serving the king.

Now and Then, Here and There - 04

...

Now and Then, Here and There - 05

So Shu blindly attacks in Kendo and gets his ass handed towards him... then tries the same tactic against someone with a knife, okay.

King Hitler on crack has some sniper shot depsite having cowardly shakes

You only ask this NOW 5 episodes have already passed buddy.


Now and Then, Here and There - 06

Hate begets hate, war begets war... or something.

Not seeing the point in Sara's existance in this show at all at this point.


Now and Then, Here and There - 07

"Stop it! Don't look at me that way!" - She only has one type of looking at people.

Shu has amazing plot armour, had he not been them main character he would have been dead a long time go.


Now and Then, Here and There - 08

Humans are turds.


Now and Then, Here and There - 09

This whole main character's shounen haato with an emotionless female partner thing was such a lull I started to think, and then my thoughts wondered what are these characters motivations, and then I realised most of them don't make a lick of sense.

Now and Then, Here and There - 10

Maybe, just maybe Sara will serve a purpose in this anime.

Now and Then, Here and There - 11

Egad, so that's what Sara's role was, to showcase just how full of shit Shu is.

Now and Then, Here and There - 12

WHERE'S YOUR SHOUNEN HAATO NOW HUUUH!?

Now and Then, Here and There - 13

Not only does Shu take liberties in rocking that plot armour, but he somehow flukes into saving the day, i said dayum.

And so I begin and finish something without understanding the motivations behind practically everyone in this anime. *crosses off backlog*

 

[Envelope]

I hope you're reading this, people. Especially you, zeroshiki. Someone who writes more about Utena than me and after only one episode!

That took a hell of a long time to write, not sure I'll do it for the rest of the episodes.

 

[Razgriz-Specter]

In terms of applying the moe/hnnng aesthetic to violence, I think Higurashi did a much better job overall.

Now that the series is completely over, I want a 3rd live action movie even if the first two are weird.

 

[cajunator]

That took a hell of a long time to write, not sure I'll do it for the rest of the episodes.

I wouldn't recommend it. you'll be writing an encyclopedia pretty soon.
Way too much insanity goes on in the show to really explore it all in writing.
I don't even want to mention any of it for fear of spoiling absolutely anything about this experience for you.

You will enjoy this show immensely though.

 

[NewFresh]

I'll admit it, Steroyd has more chutzpah than me.

 

[Lafiel]

Anonatsu 10 - So good, lots of delicious melodrama, only two more episodes left till it's all over.;_; I think the only thing that would make the show even better than it already is - is SECRET BASE.

 

[Jex]

In 10, it's implied that they

Spoiler

all work for someone else. The fact that she mentions a fourth member of the Occult circle heavily implies that this other person might be the one in charge.

Heck, they even have that bit where she explains their motivations to Araragi by

Spoiler

comparing how the three of them would deal with fakes

.

Plot wise and thematically, I think it lines up fairly well.

If only that could link up to well written characters!

 

[Envelope]

If only that could link up to well written characters!

You have to wait for Kizu to get that!

 

[cajunator]

If only that could link up to well written characters!

You don't think Karen was a well written character? I mean she had such complex feelings for Araragi!

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Anonatsu 10 - So good, lots of delicious melodrama, only two more episodes left till it's all over.;_; I think the only thing that would make the show even better than it already is - is SECRET BASE.

It would be nice if we could combine Ano Hana's good OP and ED with Ano Natsu's good everything else.

 

[firehawk12]

Anonatsu 10 - So good, lots of delicious melodrama, only two more episodes left till it's all over.;_; I think the only thing that would make the show even better than it already is - is SECRET BASE.

Brofist.

If only that could link up to well written characters!

It's really just about Arararararararagi-kun anyway!

 

[Jex]

uh . . . how do you give it to anyone other than makoto

that shit dont even make sense man

ararararararagi is a perv

makoto rapes little girls

Makoto is truly one of the most important protagonists of all time.

 

[jman2050]

It would be nice if we could combine Ano Hana's good OP and ED with Ano Natsu's good everything else.

Toradora's characters and story + Ano Natsu's pacing and setting + SECRET BASE = best anime ever?

 

[Noirulus]

Darker than Black - 01

This setup has been done again and again so many times that it's hard to get excited anymore. If I was hard-pressed to pick a positive, I guess it seems like Li is an interesting main character.

 

[Thoraxes]

You don't think Karen was a well written character? I mean she had such complex feelings for Araragi!

If only we can understand them better:

 

[Jex]

You have to wait for Kizu to get that!

There were plenty of characters who are well written in Nisemonogatari though. Just not the last two - they're boring and stupid (with bad character designs to boot).

 

[cajunator]

It would be nice if we could combine Ano Hana's good OP and ED with Ano Natsu's good everything else.

You dontl ike ano Natsu's OP/ED?
Or do you just like Ano Hana's more? I like Ano Natsu's OP particularly.

 

[Lafiel]

Toradora still has better OPs than either AnoNatsu or AnoHana though.

 

[jman2050]

Toradora still has better OPs than either AnoNatsu or AnoHana though.

SECRET BASE would be an addition rather than a replacement of course!

 

[Jex]

But I wasn't talking about Towa no Quon.

Leave duckroll/BONES alone!

 

[cajunator]

Toradora still has better OPs than either AnoNatsu or AnoHana though.

Vanilla Salt is a pretty nice song. Especially the remix of it. So HNNNG.
The OP not so much.

 

[jman2050]

Karen is an awesome character, Tsukihi not so much.

Kaiki > *

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Gundam Age 23

Age II finally getting to the level of being epic, however everytime Asemu does something he continues to end up in some state of being confined. Episode started off nice with

Spoiler

Grodek

which seems to definitely be explored next episode. Next episode also seems like it will be compelling with

Spoiler

another Zehearto and Asemu encounter, can they resolved their friendship, already

. Missing in action was Desil.

 

[jman2050]

Vanilla Salt is a pretty nice song. Especially the remix of it. So HNNNG.
The OP not so much.

Pre-parade > Vanilla Salt > Silky Heart >>> whatever that other ED was.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

You dontl ike ano Natsu's OP/ED?
Or do you just like Ano Hana's more? I like Ano Natsu's OP particularly.

I think Ano Natsu's OP and ED are acceptable, but nothing beyond that. I really liked Ano Hana's OP/ED, especially the OP. (For some reason I can't remember Secret Base at all whereas the OP stands out clearly in my mind. Very well planned and effective visuals in addition to the relaxing song.)

One thing Ano Natsu does do well is overlapping the ED song with the final scenes of an episode.

 

[firehawk12]

Karen is an awesome character, Tsukihi not so much.

Kaiki > *

I like how he's both

Spoiler

responsible for the last arc but also provides the solution

. God tier.

 

[Envelope]

Vanilla Salt is a pretty nice song. Especially the remix of it. So HNNNG.
The OP not so much.

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP. Well, Jman too.

 

[cajunator]

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP.

I highly doubt that. The song just isn't to my tastes.
It's not a bad song or anything.

 

[NewFresh]

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP.

Think of it like this, that makes you unique!

 

[Lafiel]

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP. Well, Jman too.

I love both openings of Toradora.

OP2 > OP1 though.

 

[Thoraxes]

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP. Well, Jman too.

Those ZR in the OP man, those ZR.

 

[cajunator]

Those ZR in the OP man, those ZR.

This is definitely one of the GOOD things about the OP.
Or anything involving zettai ryouiki in general.

 

[Envelope]

I'm not alone, awesome.

 

[checkeredknight]

"Lupin III: A Woman Called Fujiko Mine" PV incoming... they aired a two minute clip at a Lupin event in Japan last night.

Thanks to Jo on the Lupin forums, here's what some Japanese bloggers have had to say...

- Lupin has a blue jacket, yellow shirt and a green tie.
- BGM was classical - made for a very "gothic feel" [lol whut...]
- No dialogue during the PV
- Sawashiro was a no show at the event - too busy
- Apparently the overall effect was that of "they must've put this together 30 minutes before they played it"
- Positive Pauls: Looks okay, we'll wait for a better PV before we make any further judgements
- Negative Nancys: This is awful
- Overall: Nothing seems to "match" (music, design, screenplay)

An anonymous "member of the production team" has said that Jigen and Gomoen will each have a mini-plot centered around them. But this is indeed a Fujiko centric series. There will only be guest appearances by the others.

Reserving judgement until I see the clip, but it isn't sounding so great atm.

 

[madp]

Oh, that's clearly explained by the show. But

Spoiler

that's just a statement from the character. It's very, er, literal and basic and she doesn't support it with anything else like reasons. It's just really bizarre writing. Fake things must die? There isn't even a proper attempt to justify her actions beyond that.

Was there the more macabre implication that

Spoiler

the phoenix youkai actually kills a fetus already inhabiting the womb and takes its place

or was I just reading too literally into the comparison to

Spoiler

the bird that pushes eggs out of the nest

? I could understand Kagenui's motivation if that was the nature of the

Spoiler

youkai

(and especially since

Spoiler

this cycle apparently repeats for all eternity

), and furthermore this would reflect more strongly on Koyomi's character

Spoiler

if he was willing to defend something that had ended the existence of another "real" sister

, but

Spoiler

fake = inherently evil

doesn't quite carry as much weight.

 

[cajunator]

No one in AnimeGAF is alone.
We are all here to support you

Spoiler

and make you watch shows like Ultimate girls

 

[Dresden]

typical behavior of white people:

 

[Brazil]

It would be nice if we could combine Ano Hana's good OP and ED with Ano Natsu's good everything else.

Ano Natsu's ED > Ano Hana's ED > Ano Natsu's OP > Ano Hana's OP

 

[Jex]

I like how he's both

Spoiler

responsible for the last arc but also provides the solution

. God tier.

Kaiki is pretty amazing. He even gets his introduction in the best episode of the show (3) and continues to figure in the background for as long as he wants.

 

[jman2050]

I think I'm the only person who likes Toradora's OP. Well, Jman too.

Toradora's OP is great. Both of them actually but the first moreso.

 

[Dresden]

Yeah, the Toradora openings are pretty good, better than the actual show at least.